WASHINGTON, DC - The Internal Revenue Service today opened the 2012 tax filing season by announcing that taxpayers have until April 17 to file their tax returns. The IRS encourages taxpayers to e-file as it is the best way to ensure accurate tax returns and get faster refunds.

“At the IRS, we’re working hard to make the process of filing your taxes as quick and easy as possible,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “Providing quality service is one of our top priorities. It not only reduces the burden on taxpayers, but also helps in filing an accurate return right from the start.”

Taxpayers will have until Tuesday, April 17 to file their 2011 tax returns and pay any tax due because April 15 falls on a Sunday, and Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls this year on Monday, April 16. According to federal law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do; therefore, all taxpayers will have two extra days to file this year.

Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Oct. 15 to file their 2011 tax returns.

The IRS expects to receive more than 144 million individual tax returns this year, with most of those being filed by the April 17 deadline.

The IRS will begin accepting e-file and Free File returns on Jan. 17, 2012. Additional details about e-file and Free File will be announced later this month. IRS Free File provides options for free brand-name tax software or online fillable forms plus free electronic filing. Everyone can use Free File to prepare a federal tax return. There’s no income limit for Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms, which also includes free e-filing.

Let’s Celebrate Easter at the Clinton Presidential Center
This year, make plans to join the family fun at the Clinton Presidential Center 2015 Easter Family celebration. The Clinton Presidential Center will host its 10th Annual Easter Family Festival on Saturday, April 4 begins at 10 a.m. and runs until ...

Watch out for phony IRS calls
Tax-return season is well under way in the Natural State and across the country, but with that comes scam artists looking to prey on consumers. Recently, a number of Arkansans have contacted the Attorney General’s Office to report telephone ...

Attorney creates DUI challenge for Arkansans
A Florida lawyer has come up with a flyer for about dozens states to let drivers know their rights when going through a DWI checkpoint, including one for Arkansas. Attorney Warren Redlich said, you should display your license and not speak or ...

Ted Cruz announced Presidential Bid for 2016
Half Cuban and Canadian born Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), has been a top critic of immigration reform and president Obama’s Executive Order.
Of an American mother and a Cuban father, Cruz was born on December 22, 1970 in Calgary, Alberta in ...